Moving to London as a Kiwi - Sean Van Oosaanen
🇳🇿 Hear from Sean what it's like moving to London from New Zealand.
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Moving to London from New Zealand
What made you want to move to London from New Zealand?
My partner and I wanted a new challenge and it made a lot of sense for her career. She’s a dancer and simply put, there’s more opportunity here in London. I wanted to see the world and we’ve been fortunate enough to visit 25 countries together.
What was the hardest part about your moving to London journey?
Finding a flat was a challenge but it worked out in the best way possible. So many landlords / letting agents did not have our best interest in mind. They put a lot of pressure on you to sign up on the spot but don’t fall for it.
Were you prepared and organised or did you wing it?
Winged it with confidence. We bought one way tickets to Berlin and spent 3 months travelling around Europe first. Booking everything on the fly. When we finally arrived in London we were excited and knew we could sort out anything.
What part of your move would you have done differently?
Nothing that I can think of. Jealous of the Kiwi’s coming across now as the new version of the youth visa gives them 3 years before they’re 35.
What’s one piece of advice would you give to others moving to London?
Get a bike sooner rather than later. It’s by far and away the best way to get around. London is very flat and has surprisingly good cycling infrastructure. Many companies offer a cycle to work scheme which can save you up to 40% off. Just make sure you get good at locking it up because we all know someone who’s had their bike nicked.
Life in London
How long did it take you to feel settled in London?
Somewhere between 3 and 6 months. I assume this is the case no matter where you move though. Who you live with made the biggest difference for me. We were lucky to find our London family at once.
What’s it like living in London now that you’re settled?
It’s home. New Zealand will always be home, just not for now. 5 years have flown by and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve made lifelong friends and there’s groups who I see at least every week which I love.
What’s your favourite thing about London?
There’s always something for everyone. The sheer scale of the city means you’ll be able to find like minded people whether you’re a sports fanatic, history buff, theatre lover and more. It would be easy to reinvent yourself.
What’s your least favourite thing about living abroad in London?
Missing family and friends. It’s nigh impossible to visit them on a whim as they’re at least 26 hours of flying away.
What’s the biggest cultural difference you’ve noticed living in London?
Teenagers are a bit more ruckus. They’re confident in breaking the rules.
20 this or that questions about life in London
Fish and chips or Sunday roast?
Fish and chips. No food brings back more nostalgia and here they do it with a vinegar twist.
North, South, East or West London?
East London. Walks along the canal, hanging out in the park with friends, delicious food, what more could you want?
Soho or Shoreditch?
Soho. The heart of the West End theatres, some of London’s iconic sights and on the edge of Chinatown.
Pub or club?
Pub. Great for all occasions and the occasional pub golf tour.
Marmite or marmalade?
Marmite but NZ edition please. The UK version is almost treacle.
West End theatre or Premier League football?
West End theatre. I’ve seen Hamilton 3 times and would happily go back for more. Always worth trying to get discount day tickets if you’re flexible with time.
Day out exploring or night out partying?
Day exploring. London’s an amalgamation of many boroughs. Each has their own flavour so it can feel like you’ve entered another culture within a 30 min travel.
Tube or Bus?
Bus but a cycle is even better. Explore the side streets and discover how everything is connected.
Pint or cocktail?
Pint. Brits can manage to fit one or two in anywhere, anytime.
Tesco or Sainsburys?
Sainsbo has always been my local.
Borough Market or Brick Lane?
Brick Lane. Head there on a Sunday for the full experience as 3 markets all come alive.
Hyde Park or Regents Park?
Hyde Park. Unless you like cycling then join the masses of lycra enthusiasts who do laps around Regents Park.
British Museum or Natural History Museum?
Natural History Museum. Worth it for the blue whale alone.
Old pub or fancy club?
Old pub. There’s more history in an old boozer plus you’ll see all walks of life.
London summertime or London Christmas?
Summertime though they do Christmas well here. There’s something special about being able to hang out with your friends in the sun at a park after work.
Oxford Street or Carnaby Street?
Oxford Street. Carnaby’s more interesting but Oxford has the scale.
Big Ben or St Paul’s cathedral?
Big Benny in all its restored beauty.
Weekend in Europe or weekend in the UK?
Weekend in Europe. That’s the reason for being here right? Accessible travel.
Harry Potter or James Bond?
Snape, Snape, Severus Snape. DUMBLEDORE!
Sausage roll or Scotch egg?
Sausy roll. Got to be hot though. Worth asking them to heat it up.
